Putting the DIT- ACHIEV model into practice
Introduction
A dedicated research team at the College of Arts and Tourism, Dublin Institute of Technology has been working, since October 2008, on the DIT-ACHIEV Sustainable Tourism Project which focusses on implementing their model of sustainable tourism indicators. This project is endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency and Fáilte Ireland.
Killarney and Carlingford were selected as test destinations in December 2008, and research is ongoing in Temple Bar, Dublin where the Model is currently being implemented. Early indications suggest that the DIT-ACHIEV Model will provide the Irish tourism industry with a valuable tool for making its product and management far more sustainable.
The DIT-ACHIEV Model recognises that tourism is an important source of revenue, investment and employment throughout Ireland. It is particularly important in rural regions given the unique selling point provided by the beauty and character of rural Ireland and it must be managed correctly and in a sustainable manner to ensure its success and longevity. Tourism's impacts (direct and indirect) on areas such as the environment, transport, regional planning, business and trade mean that policies and plans must be coordinated and integrated to avoid one area of policy pressuring or hindering the success of another.
While all stakeholders in the tourism sector at national, regional and local level have a part to play in preserving environmental, social and economic quality, the DIT-ACHIEV Model aims to facilitate local actors to undertake research specific to their area which will enable maximisation of the tourism product on offer while preserving the integrity of the destination in an holistic and all-encompassing manner.
Key to the success of this project is the level of local buy-in and ownership. Local co-ordination has been very positive and support for the project continues to grow. Local residents involved in the tourism industry are actively participating in the project. The research also continues to recevie enthusiastic local media attention.
Overall, the project provides valuable feedback and assists us in developing a methodology for establishing the DIT-ACHIEV Model as a benchmark tool for Sustainable Tourism Management in Ireland. International interest in the project is also growing with potential partners emerging in Canada, the United States and Europe.
Contact Details
For further information, please contact Jane Fitzgerald, Project Coordinator
Tel: 01-402 7829
Email: janemarie.fitzgerald@dit.ie
